The Word For This Year Is “Child Like Trust”

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So isn’t she the cutest….yes that’s my  3 year old niece London aka my mini aka Lolo :). I have heard it said that when you have children you then come to understand your relationship with the Lord even more deeply. You began to see and understand from his eyes and his heart through your child. Interestingly enough the Lord has been teaching me through my niece Lolo about trust and  how many times I try to do things on my own instead of relying on his own strength. When the Lord gave me these two lessons I laughed thinking “oh my goodness Lord that’s exactly how I am with you, huh” and just had to write about it.

John 1:12
but as many as received him, to them gave he the right to be children of God, to those that believe on his name;

You see everyone believer is a child of God that is our true identity. We are sons and daughters of the Most High King, the Creator of the Universe, the one who Started it all and will End it all, who was in the Beginning and is the End, the One true living God that is our Father. Soooo why don’t we trust him? lol Oh how we can talk a lot of  lip service all day but how many of us continue to worry, to doubt, to even fear because we forget who are Father is and how close he is to us in every detail of our lives.

The First Lesson: Child Like Trust

I went out to the playground with my sister and my nieces the weekend after Christmas and we bought Lolo these new Frozen skates she wanted to test out. Mind you she has never skated before but, she was so excited. As she began to walk up the trail she began to cry and was really scared so my sister grabbed her hand to walk with her. However, she was still so fearful holding my sisters hands alone then I caught up with them and grabbed her other hand upon doing that I immediately felt her feeling more secure. She immediately let her legs go beneath her which made me hold on more tightly startled I thought she was falling just to look down and see she was doing it on purpose. As she began to do tricks, turning her feet, letting her legs go to skate then she would pull her body up again just to do it all over again. My sister retorted I guess she didn’t feel confident with just me she had to have you beside her too. Then we both burst into laughter and I told her oh my goodness this is how it is when we walk with God. As we grab the hand of the Father and Jesus’s hand we immediately trust that we cannot fall, they wont fail, that they are for us, and that they got us so we can do anything! That’s what the Lord reminded me in prayer as I asked him for a word in 2017, the image of my niece that night came to me as he reminded me “Child Like Trust”. To have both hands planted firmly in his trusting in his promises and his lead in my life. To chart new territory and not to fear the unknown or uncomfortable but, to only let go of my fears, worries and reservation and as I do with the help of he Holy Spirit I will do some amazing tricks lol…..or should I say works/breakthrough for the Lord!

Second Lesson: Trust In His Strength & Ability

Now this lesson came this week as my niece came over to stay with me for a day. I had to moves some foldable chairs and tables from my living room into my storage room. So immediately my niece ran to help saying “I want to help”. I told her sure, grab one of the chairs so she did as I grabbed two. Then she attempted to walk in front of me and hold the chairs on her own but, she couldn’t. So I grabbed the top half of the chair and began to assist her carrying most of the weight as she held the chair and walked with it. She was so excited she was carrying the chair all on her own….or so she thought lol. As we placed the chair in the storage room she was so excited that “she did it” as I praised her my hands began to get hot ( sidenote which has become a manifestation of Gods presence) I just burst into laughter again thinking oh my goodness this is exactly what I do with you huh lol. So I continued as she asked again to help, she grabbed another chair but, this time wanted to do it all by herself and go ahead of me. I told her to wait but, she didn’t listen and the chair came crashing down after a few steps. She looked so scared then looked back at me so sad as I told her its okay. Let me help you, as I picked up the first half of the chair taking most of the weight and allowing her to carry it to the storage room. The last and final chair she attempted again slightly a little more cautious but, still didn’t wait on me so it fell again. Instead of being sad this time she immediately bend down looked at the chair then back at me and asked me to help her. All I could do was laugh as I knew the Lord was teaching me a valuable lesson on trust and relying on him right before my eyes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

How many times do we ask the Lord use me, use me or “I want to help Lord guide me”? Then when the Lord directs us we “think” we can actually do it on our own and even when we do it, it is him doing the work through us by His strength not ours. Then when we become confident in our own ability we tell God…its okay I can do it. We run ahead of him and then when we stumble it leaves us fearful, sad and sometimes hurt. However, do we learn from that nope lol we just decided to still do it on our won but be more cautious then we stumble again however by this time we learn Gods grace and his goodness so we come to him and ask for help. How faithful he is to continuously, always and forever help us when we ask. He is soooo good! This two lessons taught me not only to trust God but his heart for us as his children. As my love for my niece compelled me to always run to her rescue and just be delighted to assist her how much more our father in Heaven. He takes pleasure in loving us, protecting us, being with us and helping us because he knows there is now way we can do it whether we believe that or not. Yet he is so gracious and patient. So what have you not been trusting God with, what have you been trying to do in your own strength? Or has he told you to be fearless this 2017 year yet you still doubt his provision to help you bring things to past? Will you trust like the child that you are, will you seek his help and rely on his ability and strength above all else to do a great work through you? Let go and be in awe this year as you walk into a place of “Child like trust, Child like faith and Child like love this year!

 

From Jesus with Love,

God bless

 

People Are A Gift From God!

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child-opening-gift-page2322

 

One day a few weeks I went and a walk with the Lord just talking to him about some recent situations I went though where I was hurt by someone I cared about. I continued speaking to him about my past wounds from others and He said “They are all gift to you, every person I have brought in your life is a gift to you. Whether they have been good to you or not they are all my precious gifts to you” I was flabbergasted to say the least but the Holy spirit began to give me a deeper understanding of what he was saying. Those in my life who have hurt me have caused me to exercise patience, forgiveness to grow in virtue and even bare much fruit for him. So many times and just in our society we discount people, we hold sometimes okay let me be honest, in our generation we hold material things, class, status, even animals at a greater esteem then people. However, that is so backwards because in all of creation were the only ones  created in Gods image and he made us just a little lower then the angels:

Hebrew 2:6-7
What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the son of man, that You care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor

You see the Lord has chosen man as his dwelling place. Not a temple, not a building, not a location, not a mountain, not even the sky but he has chosen his son’s and daughters to indwell within then by the Holy Spirit. So when we love on people we don’t just love on them but we love on God!

1 Corinthians 3:16
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

At that time of this conversation I was pouring out my heart to the Lord telling him of the pain of being accused, slandered and talked against. I began to compare my walk with him to others around me. Complaining that my walk seemed so much more difficult and he said its because of your calling….(which I still don’t know by the way, don’t you love when he continues to leave you hanging but still yearning for more of him lol). The Holy spirit then put this on my heart that when we measure and compare our suffering based on what others go through rather than what Christ went through for us then that could lead us into depression, resentment, bitterns and even unforgiveness. Furthermore, if the measure of Gods glory and favor on our lives becomes based on comparing ourselves to others than it can easily lead to pride. Looking down on others and even thinking you’re more spiritual mature but, the only measure in all things should be and is Jesus Christ, his glory and his suffering. Neither of these can compare to man’s suffering or glory we go partake in on the earth. So my little measly suffering I am going through is nothing compared to what Jesus did on the on the cross for me…..so to say the least that shut me up real quick lol but, it was such a beautiful revelation.

He went on to say that people indeed are the greatest gifts on this earth and that did I forget that he uses ALL things for my good.  He uses people to fulfill his purpose upon the earth and even in our lives. Every person he has brought in my life has made me better. He has brought people in my life to encourage me, to propel me when I felt like I couldn’t go forward. He brought people in my life to love me to show me what his heart looks like in order that I may began to love also. Then he has brought people in my life to teach me lessons, to allow the uglies in my own heart to be brought to the light so that may repent and have a pure heart. He has brought people in my life who have hurt me which allows me to exercise patience, forgiveness to grow in virtue and bare much fruit for him. So that’s why this person and all people are a gift good or bad.

I would like to share two vision one from a pastor and the other from a man who went to heaven. The pastor stated the Lord gave him a vision one day of  being taking to this art gallery and he saw a huge monument  of a man beautifully chiseled from head to toe. This man looked exquisite almost out of this world he was in awe when he saw it and asked Jesus who is this man? and Jesus said “its you”. He was in speechless, then Jesus asked would you like to see the two man who created this masterpiece he said yes…and the Lord took him to the other side of the monument and he was in complete shock. There were two men he recognized very well. He actually had despised them for a time because they were two critics of his ministry. They came to church every Sunday, sat on the front row for years and wrote many articles to tear down his ministry however, the Lord told him to continue to love on them and forgive them. Jesus stated that he used them to bring out much fruit and virtue in him so in fact they brought the best out in him. Isn’t that amazing! The second vision was a man who went to heaven and he stated that the greatest attribute in heaven will not be the knowledge you gain, the things you see or have access too but it will be the citizens of heaven. Each person is like heaven, for they radiate the purest love and joy that you will ever encounter…haha isn’t that wonderful, each person is like heaven itself that makes me smile!

So if we would then began to see people as gifts as they are, if we see children as the greatest gift then we would no longer abort or even consider abortion. If we see family and friends as gifts, if we would see strangers as gifts, if we would see especially those who hurt as the greatest gifts because the Lord uses ALL things for his glory. If you give him the pain, the memory and see from his perspective he will use that person to chisel the most beautiful heart you will ever see….it will be Gods heart now in yours then all you will know how to do is to love everyone despite what they do because they are gift to you, being used to refine, purify and create the purest heart in you. So you can be all that God has called you to be!

Love waits patiently for God’s timing. Love is gentle and shows kindness to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect; nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love finds delight in the truth, not in what is wrong. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things—and still remains strong.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 The Passion Translation

God Carries A Picture Of Me In His Wallet!

From Jesus With Love2 Comments

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So this term was coined by Pastor Todd White and when I first heard it all I could do was laugh at not only the truth in that statement but, the reality that our God is truly a proud parent of all his children. As believers sometimes it hard to receive Gods love. We here it used so loosely at time. God loves you and we think yea I know but,……..if we really search our hearts we have to ask yourself do you really know how loved you are by God, do you? Because I believe if we really knew how much God loved us we would live not only differently but accordingly. If we can be honest, including myself, sometimes our love for him can be so conditionally and I believe we have been taught that way. As if Gods love is conditional too, that when we go through hard times, death, suffering, trials, poverty, rejection, the list can go on that means God doesn’t love us or your not blessed. However, when we go through blessing, riches, elevation, promotion, and have favor with men that means God loves us. Such a twisted incorrect perspective which is such an injustice to our identity once we are saved. You see Jesus died on the cross because of your sin not for it, he died because your sin caused you to be not only separated from God the Father but from your true identity as his child walking in fellowship and communion with him. So he had to die because of your sin there fore redeeming you back to God the father so that you can now have fellowship and communion with him daily as Adam did. His blood restored your identity back to who you were before Adam sinned. That’s why he continues to call his children justified by the cross, justified by the blood, justified if we confess and believe in his son Jesus. Romans 8:30 Those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified, Justified: Just-as-if- you never sinned! YOU are a son & daughter of the Most High King period. That’s who you are right now, nothing can change that who yearns to have deep intimate relationship with all his children. That’s why God created us for relationship with him, he created us for himself that’s it. Its so simple but it sounds so foolish to those who are perishing

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

If you let that sink in, it blows your mind. I remember having that revelation of his love and its almost overwhelming. That God created the universe for us but created little ole me for himself. That I am the most precious commodity, I am his masterpiece, I am his favorite prized one, I am everything to him and despite all I have done and will do. His love, his adorations, his gaze, his glory, is focused on me so much so that He has now come to make his home inside of me because he loves me! That can blow anyone’s mind lol  When I first read Psalm 139 and

Psalm 8:4-6
What is man that You are mindful of him and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels and have crowned him with glory and honor

I laughed because I thought to myself David gets it! I love King David because the revelation of Gods love for him and Israel made him even dance in his lossley garments in front of all Israel and he didn’t care one bit. 2 Samuel 6:14 Wearing a lined ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might. You know so many times we walk around condemnation because we messed up but God doesn’t condemn you and never will because you are his child. We walk around in guilt or shame because of our past but when God sees you, he sees you as you never sinned your his child. We walk around victimized, hurt, & rejected by others but, God has never rejected you because of the finished work of Jesus blood you have been accepted as his child. We walk around thinking God is too busy, not really present, hard to reach, not really concerned with the details of our lives but,  you are his child so just as he walked with Adam in the cool of the day he now walks with you every single second, of every single day, wherever you go. He so desperately wants you to be conscious of that because living a life WITH God is so much better than FOR him. As your perspective changes you no longer see yourself as a slave following rules and directions but as a child holding their fathers hand going on crazy, surprising, sometimes difficult bur rewarding adventure!

I love the song Pieces by Amanda Cook from Bethel Church because the lyrics are so beautiful and true. Many times in our relationship the Holy spirit has reminding me of Gods love through this song. May favorite parts of the lyrics is the first verse when she states :
Unreserved, unrestrained
Your love is wild
Your love is wild for me
It isn’t shy, its unashamed
Your love is proud
To be seen with me

So during my alone time with the Lord he showed me a beautiful picture in my heart of many of his children walking around with their heads down desponded, hopeless, feeling dirty, unclean, ashamed, condemned and he was in heaven shouting at the top of lungs with such excitement saying Look, look guys, you see that one, yup that’s my son. Oh ooooh look over there yup this one. She is mine that’s my daughter with such love and excitement he was boasting about them in front of all of heaven.
Some of these people were homeless, looked dirty, one was a prostitute, some others were just who were just ashamed of their past, what they had done or were doing. Some were so broken and hurt because of the rejection they faced from others and felt so isolated and alone. Yet, here God the Father was in so much, almost child like giddy excitement proudly boasting that is my child! Haha, that’s exactly what his love looks like its so unashamed and it proud to be seen with you regardless of what the world thinks of you, treats you or what people say. You are a child of God period, His love for you is truly unconditional period, He always is ever present with  you and will NEVER leave you period and he wants you to know that and live this love out WITH him….period lol.So guess what, God has a picture of YOU in his wallet too boasting all day about you, because when he sees you he sees your true identity, his child, a heir to throne of the kingdom of God!

 

2 Corinthians 6:18
And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

God bless you child of God!

The Simple Gospel Of Love

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Many times as believers our lives can be focused seeking the Lord for breakthroughs, the anointing, miracles, blessing, spiritual gifts, promotion, elevation, our calling, our purpose, the 5-12 keys to the kingdom of heaven, mysteries, promotion, marriage,elevation, kingdom principles to live a good life which is not necessarily bad but then the gospel has merely become what you can get upon giving your life to the Lord. Rather than what you have surrendered to become…..become just like Jesus.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

You see that’s exactly what Jesus did, Jesus was fully man yet he did amazing miracles everywhere he went, He was holy and righteous in all his ways. He died to himself and was completely submitted to his heavenly father in all that he did.  Most importantly he loved like crazy. He loved, the kind, the poor, the unlovable, the wicked, the rejected, the outcast, and the sick. His love was so captivating that polarized so many too him, to follow him and 2000 years later he continuous to draw people to himself. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is love! There are many characteristics to describe the nature of God but only one is the main foundation you see God is not only the source of LOVE but He is LOVE itself and he gave that LOVE to us through his son

John 3:16
For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life

So God gave that we might become “sons and daughters of the King, citizens of heaven heir to the throne, and brides of Christ that we might GIVE as well. However, the Church has been crying out for revival and a move of God but we keep missing it that it begans with us believers. The revival starts with us individually. When we give our lives to the Lord and filled with the holy spirit you then have Christ living on the inside of you!

John 14:23
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

I think believers of today have forgotten that….I mean let that really sink in, the Kingdom of God is inside of you, yes you!  The Lord himself said it in Matthew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. So many continue to wait on manifestation but the Kingdom of God is here inside of us all we need to believe that by faith, receive it and become it!  I love what pastor Todd White said in one of his sermons. ” The Lord never ask us to memorize scripture he ask us to become it” Man! So as we receive the LOVE of God and began to deny ourselves our own selfish desires, picking up our cross to follow Jesus we began to grow in virtue.   That means you are able to do ALL things through Christ Jesus, you are able to live a holy  repentant life, forgive and forget, you are able to Love your enemies and Love people right where they are at, you are able to cast out devils, heal the sick,  open blind eyes, set the captives free, prophesy. You began to become just like Jesus! Many times we use the times as Christians we believe a select few are called  to “ministry”  and if your not many of the commissions of God don’t apply to you. However, we are all called to ministry for the definition:

Ministry: the work or vocation of a minister of religion..let me rephrase the work or vocation of a minister of faith since Jesus is not a religion.

dispenser

So you see were are all called to ministers of the faith of Jesus Christ. This generation has the greatest grace given to be the bride of Christ and the bible tells us that a husband and wife unite and become one flesh Epheisians 5:31. So when the Lord abides in us and we remain in him, dying to our flesh we become one flesh with Christ, isnt that beautiful!  So when people come in contact with us its not us they see or touch but its Jesus. We become the revival,  a dispenser for the Lord to use and pour out of . Becaue he is love we then become a dispenser of  love to those who need love, we become dispenser of grace to those who need to receive it, we become mercy, we become hope for those who are in despair, we become joy for those who are depressed, we become life for those who are dying, we become freedom for those who are in captivity. As we touch the Lord himself touches, as we speak the Lord speaks….we become Jesus walking in the flesh just through us. No longer Emmanuel with us but Emmanuel inside of us! I truly believe that’s how Paul was able to be all things to all man: 1 Corinthians 9:22  To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some….because he became just like Jesus. Some ministers have thought this means to stooping down to the level of the group your trying to witness too thereby becoming just like them but I believe that its all wrong. It means humbling yourself , loving people and becoming what they need….Jesus!  All in the motivation of Love that was freely given so now we freely give being:

Ephesians 5:1-3
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God

 

So its time as Christians we understand when we reeive salvation its not for yourself and its definitely not for what you can get, nor do we even live for the Lord  but salvation is to become just like Jesus and doing all that he did. So dont to settle for a mediocre Christians life focusing on all that you can receive from the Lord but become a giver of all that you have received. Become a sweet aroma of love to everyone you meet, truly believing the Bible that you read. Believing that the Kingdom of God is inside of you waiting to show out! haha Not waiting on the new manifestation or move of God but rise up and start becoming just like Jesus then signs and wonders will follow you as he turn this dying world upside down with his love, power, and hope of the Gospel through you!

“My love for you is never-ending. All powerful and persuasive. Given freely and without cost. Run now into My open arms. Do not be and Esau, exchanging your life for a bowl of pottage.

Come, My friends, Come
the King Who conquers. The Rescuer of souls.-Jesus

 

The Lord Loves To Use Broken Vessels

From Jesus With Love1 Comment

 

Broken vessels

You know so many of us yearn for the Lord to use us in mighty ways. We desire for the glory of God to be manifested and revealed in our lives so that he would be magnified. Funny thing is that exactly his desire for each and every single one of us however,  many times we feel as if we have to be perfect. That we have to clean ourselves up of our past, our struggles, and are weaknesses for him to use us. As believes sometimes we can automatically equate a mature believer with their strengthen. Unfortunately many times in  “Christianity” there a perception that you have to be a STRONG Christian, strong woman, strong man, strong wife, strong husband etc. Well, I have come to realize that there is no such thing as a strong Christian or should I say it shouldn’t be put in that way. We have some have been given a greater measure of grace only to fulfill the purpose of God in their lives. Didn’t Paul tell us to boast in our weaknesses, so why as believers do we have the hardest time doing that?

2 Corinthians 12:9
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me

During my alone time with the Lord,  he gave me wonderful impression of  Three Vessels. One filled with full to the top, Second filled running over and the Third cracked and broken with water pouring out of the holes. I realize we use this imagery a lot to symbolize ourselves as believers. We should be empty so the Lord can fill us up so we can overflow and pour out to others. Which is accurate however, the Lord showed me a beautiful different perspective, his perspective and out of all three vessels the most favored was the broken and cracked one.
A Vessel Filled To The Top:

FilledVase

(side not couldn’t find a better picture lol)
This vessel has been emptied of themselves and now is filled with the spirit of God, its filled with His word, its filled with His wisdom, its filled with His love, its filled with His faith. Such a wise vessel this one is, however there is one of two slight problems that can occur if  this vessel is not careful. They can become stagnate, compliance or even lukewarm. They have been so full with the things of God but, no outlet to pour out which can in turn make them very comfortable. Or this vessel can become so full of pride, believing they know it all, have it all, no one can tell them nothing and unfortunately they rarely are willing to pour out their wisdom on others as if it comes with a cost. So be mindful not to become a vessel full of the knowledge, wisdom and gifts of God and not pouring out to others

Second Vessel: Filled to the top overflowing
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Now this vessel has also been emptied of themselves, now filled with the spirit of God, its filled with His word, its filled with His wisdom, its filled with His love, its filled with His faith. Such a wise vessel this one is, its so full that it overflows pouring out to others all the Lord has poured in. However, there is one slight problem that can occur if this vessel is not careful. You see in this vessel, when poured out, it empty itself to be filled up again just to be pour out. So when it becomes empty, it can become weary, tired, and even dry at times. Until they are completely filled up again which could even take awhile. Then just to pout it all out and began the cycle over. So be mindful not to become a vessel pouring out to others all the time and leaving yourself empty.

Third Vessel: “Favored Vessel”- The Broken Vessel

Broken vessels

Now this vessel has also been emptied of themselves, now filled with the spirit of God, its filled with His word, its filled with His wisdom, its filled with His love, its filled with His faith. Such a wise vessel this one is, its so full that it overflows pouring out to others all the Lord has poured in. However, this one has many cracks, and many holes which were brought on by wounds from their past brought on from themselves or others, struggles that seem to resurface, and many, many weakness. Now don’t get me wrong the other vessels had some cracks and holes but they have been patched up so not many could see them but this one is very open, honest and transparent. The not only allow the Lord to pour out of them but to pour out of the very places of pain, of struggles, and of weakness They can never be too full, they can never be empty because they have cracks and holes therefore the Lord is continuously pouring into them and they are continuously pouring out to others. The flow never stops.

In his book The Final Quest, (side note I encourage everyone to read that book is sooo anointed!) Pastor Rick Joyner is told that in heaven we will be able to see the wounds of Jesus, and not only His wounds, but the scars that all of His chosen ones have taken for His sake. These are the medals of honor in heaven. He is told that we will carry these glorious scars forever, as Jesus does. It shows that all who carry them love God and His truth more than their own lives. He goes on to say that true leaders of God’s people, who carry genuine spiritual authority, will first prove their devotion in this way, through suffering for His name sake.

Isn’t that amazing!  When we can become willing vessels, transparent vessels about our past, our struggles, our pains, our weakness and pour out to others from that place the Lord loves it. He looks at it and says “Aaa Ha Now that is a Vessle I can use. When we are open about our weaknesses truly the Lord is magnified in every single way because those who look at us will ask themselves, How is that possible this vessel is standing, how is it possible that it can even be used but what they will see is Gods light radiating out of all our cracks and holes. Furthermore, those who we pour into will know if the Lord can use that broken, messed up, cracked vessel than he can use me too!

So what cracks and holes are you hiding that the Lord is trying to pour out of?  Don’t be afraid, don’t allow shame to keep your light hidden and your overflow stopped up. Guess what he wants to use you just as you are…..Cracks in all!

Breaking Up With Jesus

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unhappy woman crying

So I know the title sounds….interesting lol but honestly that’s exactly what I did about two weeks ago. I can candidly say  any believer who has an intimate relationship has had one of these conversations with the Lord and I am not ashamed to recognize my foolishness lol. If you have been following blog you can see that I have been in a wilderness season for sure however lately the Lord has been  a lot more silent than usual for over a month now as I continue to seek him in prayer and worship still getting no definite answer.  I would continue to get Rhema scriptures on Patience, and Seeking God :

Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

So about a week ago in my alone time I just let him have it, in the most respectful way of course but I just poured out all my frustriaons, anger and anxiets to him. I mean he said he loved David a man after his own heart, a man who was brutally honest with his God, so I can be honest right lol . Now, a little background on my relationship with the Lord I would like to think it is a very intimate one. He infact has truly become my husband, my God whom I am submitted too and like any husband for his spouse he is demanding. So I have come to understand that I cannot do a lot of things I want too or to be frank I cannot do a lot of things he might even allow other believers too do. We all have different calling, so there in lies the problem of me always comparing myself (as hand slaps forehead) and throwing fits ( in my heart that is) lol when he tells me no when I would rather go out saying come and spend time with me.  However, in the past that wasn’t an issue at all, why I loooooved to spend time with my love because I would feel his presence so strongly, he would speak and leave me in awe. So of course I would forsake all to spend time with the Creator of the Universe, my Lord, my Groom, my Love and just relish in his presence….but I have come to know how deceiving my heart it because when the experiences stopped if I can be honest didnt seem as fun anymore.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

So the times the Lord called me for prayer of course the enemy of my soul and my own flesh began to speak so much louder with lies. “Why are you always praying Nana”,  “you know your neglected your family and friends spending all this time in prayer”, “whats the point your fasting and prayer still now answer”,  “Nana go an live a little”, “There is a function at the church the Lord will be okay with it forsake him and go…come on after all its church”, “Nana come on there is no need to spend so much time in prayer”, “Nana look at everyone else accomplishing things what have you accomplished on your knees….just stop and do what you want”,  “Man Nana nothing has changed, your wasting your time” , “Yea go out to friends to the movies, just take a break relax a little”,  “Nana Your not living, go out and live a little”,  “How are you going to meet anyone or a husband for that matter if you continue to isolate yourself and pray” …..these were some of the many, many tormenting thoughts that when through my mind which led me to this  tearful, frustrated and honest converstaion with the Lord. It went something like this:

“Lord I am tired, I am waking up early in the morning to seek your face , when I get home I seek you face in hours of worship and prayer and nothing, You said as we give up more things in this world to seek your face you would give us constellations. Where am I constellations? Some have poked fun because of the car I drive and somethings they feel I should have, Family doesn’t understand me, I don’t really have any friends but one or two, some say I am too deep, I feel so alone at times as I try to please you and be obedient but I feel like I am not living, I am so unhappy, I let go of entertainment, forsake curtain activities out of obedience for you, I fast and I pray that’s all I do everysingle day just running home to this prayer closet and I get nothing. My dreams have stopped and as i seek you….nothing. I see others who live their lives plainly and they hear from you so clearly all the time that’s not fair….I feel like I am giving and giving and getting nothing.I want to live a little, have fun. I am unhappy Lord, I just cant, I just cant do this anymore. … as I said all of this outloud in a tearful rant, hearing the echo of my voice playing back all that I said, I thought to myself.” Oh my goodness, I just broke up with Jesus…..then I bust out laughing. Truly it had to be only the Lord that caused me to laugh because I believe he was laughing too. I could just see him looking at me saying are you done now? LOL

I had to think really Nana, so this it what it takes to walk away a little, to relax a little, to give in a little, to compromise a little…to “live” a litte. Who does that sound like?  ( hand slap to my face) So upon regrouping and gathering myself I asked the Lord for forgiveness and to strengthen me. Just like the enemy to send someone too you to entice you just one more time which he did through a family member who came over a couple days after and questioning my relationship with the Lord. Guess what……he said the exact same things I had said to the Lord, stating that I need to live a balanced life, and I cant be too Holy, and that I need to live a little its good to have a relationship with the Lord but its not that serious….(my mouth dropped open…in my heart that is). I found myself not only defending my walk with the Lord but, most importantly I realized truly how foolish I sounded saying all that to the Lord and that in fact it was the cunning enemy of my soul to put those thoughts in my mind. You see majority of the time the devil is very cunning and suttle in his ways.  The Battle is truly in the mind all he  has to do is whisper thoughts in our minds, thoughts of how “little” a compromise we can take and it will be okay. However, I have come to understand is its the Small Foxes That Spoil The Vine.  The Vine of our Love For Jesus that is, its the “little’ sins or compromises we make that cause us to stray only to turn around and find out how distant we are from the Lord. Well, I am happy to say Jesus and I are still going strong so no need to worry (if anyone was heartbroken initially reading this lol) we are in a covenant marriage so it can never be broken. Even if I stumble, complain, get angry, even if I make my bed in hell you will be there hence Psalm 139.  By the grace of God I aint going nowhere, can I get an amen! lol. I am glad that the God that we serve is not intimidated by our tough questions, is not turned off by our frustrations but in fact he understand perfectly and loves us despite it all!! So for anyone else who can relate even in the least bit be encouraged.

So Father I pray that my love for you will abound more and more and more. That I would abound in knowledge and in all discernment. That by your grace I would approve the things that are excellent, that I may be sincere, without offense until the Day of your return in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen

 

 

 

Faithful In The Small Things

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The past couple of weeks have been a little rough, well quite rough lets say a Tumbleweed Season , began to feel a mixture of uncertainty ,anxiousness and discontentment. I began to seek the Lords will concerning a couple of things that were time sensitive “Time sensitive” For me anyway lol but you know how that is with the Lord. He walks with you completely unmoved by “our time’ and If I can be honest it can be very frustrating. (side note to Jesus: Yes, Lord this is very frustrating…sigh) lol . So as I began to press into the Lord in prayer and worship ferverntly he seemed so distant. No clear answer or direction besides “Wait” I got the Rhema Psalm 27 :14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD then again did you just realize how I said  he gave no answer and as I am typing this I realized that was an answer ….hence one that I am not trying to hear ( side note: uuugh…lol this is killing me Lord, he is probably like No Nana behind disobedient might..Eeeee LOL)

So I have been asking the Lord regarding his will concerning me moving out and a host of other things. I was going to  renew my lease but had to be the Holy Spirit that nudged me to stop and seek the Lords will. Needless to say I have 16 days left and starting to get a anxious. Then strife began to rise up within a prayer meeting group I started as well, and as I caught the Lord for direction and wisdom in that. Then I began to have spiritual and physical lethargy, weakness and soreness in my body for the past two weeks. I just kept telling the Lord, I am so tired Lord, I am tired. Just feel like giving up let me just relax a little.  If I can be honest what I was really saying was I am tired of praying and not hearing from you, tired of doing the prayer meeting, youtube channel, blog and not seeing any real fruit  just feeling drained having nothing  to pour out for the Youtube channel or even blog for that matter. It almost felt like my fire just was going out slowly. Just been dry. Tired of being at a job that I am not truly fulfilled  blaaaah!  (btw in tears I did tell the Lord all of these things on my heart)  So sought the Lord for another rhema word and got spiritual warfare and ” Patience”

Isaiah 40 :31

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with twints like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint

I knew I couldn’t allow the enemies lies and tactics to take root in my mind and especially in my heart. So I went to youth service this past Tuesday honestly just for the worship. I told myself I would go for worship to be refreshed then go immediate home to spend time again in my prayer closet to war. I had no intension on listening to the message until the pastor began to speak about different season ins believers life and the season he was talking about was: The Battle. So that got my attention and I sat down which had to be by the Holy Spirit because the message was so convicting and not at all what I thought. The Lord was finally talking clearly to me or should I say I finally got it. I should know by now when the Lord seems distant of course he never is, he is right beside us but it is a test, to test our faithfulness. That’s exactly what the Tubleweed seasons are, a test in faithfulness. The Isrealites wondered for 40 years never entered into Gods promises for complaining and murmuring and that’s what I had been doing. Being so ungrateful, so frustrated, even angry. I realized that in the midst of me waiting, in the midst of oppression and in the midst of the emotions of my flesh I need to be faithful with all that the Lord had commissioned me to do.

Lord thank you for the privilege and honor it is to not only serve you but to do this crazy life WITH you. Help me to be faithful in all that you made me responsible over. Help me to have self control over my emotions and feelings which can stop me at times from being responsible. Give me the Grace to endure, preserver and wisdom to discern not only your will for my life, in all that I do  but to discern good from evil so I may judge correctly those you have called me to lead . I pray that I would do ALL things unto you so today I proclaim that:

As I volunteer at the Welcome Center at Church- I will be on time, and go above and beyond to make all who enter into your sanctuary welcome

At my Job- I will be on time, a woman of integrity in action and in deed.Not working on other projects besides the work they pay me for and having my productivity reflect Christ

For Prayer meeting- I will praying all week for those who should attend, sensitive to your leading and instruction as to what to pray and how we should pray. I will follow up during the week with those who come as well to see how they are doing

For the Youtube Channel- I will be diligent  & consistent with my messages, seeking your wisdom and your heart above the leading culture/trending news. That I would have a spirit of excellence to take this responsibility very seriously and teaching others how to know, serve and love you.

For the Blog- that I will be diligent & consistent to write a blog post every week, that I would be transparent and honest in my writing to encourage, and inspired many that God truly uses the weakest to do his business.

Lord help me to become a virtuous woman, full of love for you and others, full of wisdom, integrity & excellent in all that I do. Living a life submitted to you in obedience and unconditional trust in you. In Jesus name…..Help me Lord lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our God Is Not A Spectator

From Jesus With Love1 Comment

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So my sister posted this image that initially had the girl on the ground as “me” the girl on top “life” and the one with the camera is “god’, which had soooo many likes and comments on it and I get it…its meant to be funny and some may say chill its not that serious…I can see my sisters eyes rolling now saying “Here goes Nas” haha but, honestly when I saw it I was immediately grieved in my heart so much. Not only because it such incorrect depiction of  God is truly like but, the saddest part is most people see their lives this way and its so far from the truth. God has never and will never sit back and watch you get pummeled by life through the world and the enemy would like to make you think that. He says “he will never leave us nor forsake us”

Isaiah 41:13
“That I hold you by your right hand–I, the LORD your God. And I say to you ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”

So you see he is ever present in our lives, never leaving, constantly pursuing, trying to get our attention and our hearts if we would for a second take the time to give it to him. However, unfortunately you see so many people today haven’t experienced the presence of God or even worse don’t know him at all. You see SIN SEPERATES US FROM THE PRESENCE OF GOD and when we allow sin in…it takes over our lives. Which causes us to feel pummeled by this life and furthermore feel as if God is just sitting back watching. No the enemy set up the temptation and when you fall for it he then sits backs not only in excitement, not only in pure joy but, HE records it just to play it back to you.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

In Guilt, Fear, Shame and Condemnation so you don’t ever think that God actual cares about you, that you don’t ever think God actually Loves you, that you don’t ever think your good enough For God, that you don’t ever think to come back into Gods Presence Lies, Lies, Lies and we know the enemy is a father of lies. This picture caused me to arouse in righteous passion to set this picture and mentalities straight of my Beloved, My Friend and My God Jesus Christ. He is so tender, so sensitive, so loving, so full of grace and even more mercy because where you continue to sin, there he continues to provide you help to not only let go of this sin but not to go back to it and its called GRACE

 Romans 5:20
But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.

 So please don’t allow ANY sin to get ahold of your life, ask Jesus to help you where you are struggling, and completely turn away from it and he will give you the grace, don’t allow shame or guilt to keep you from him because He loves you desperately and don’t for once believe the lie of the enemy that Our God is spectator. …No, no he is soooo far from that. He goes before you, he is behind you and right beside you, ordering your steps if you would listen and just take his hand…So will let go of Sin and take the Lords hand today. He loves you desperately!! God bless you Come to him he is all that you need!

When The Enemy Assigned Death The Lord Declared Life & Multiplication!

From Jesus With Love2 Comments

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This has definitely been an exciting weekend for my family. I am in awe at the Lord seeing the fulfillment of his faithfulness, his mercy and grace upon my families life. My older brother who was locked up for 3 years was released 7 years early on good behavior to come home to be with us yesterday! Isn’t God so gracious and merciful. We  all got together at my mothers house for a celebrations. The whole family which includes, 8 nieces and nephews , my 5 sisters , my brother and a few friends. For the first time in 3 years my mother had all 7 of her kids under her roof again. So you had to imagine the house was so noisy with celebration and yes, of course yelling at the kids to tone it down lol. Toward the end of the night we had a friend group us all together to take a picture and they said wow there is so many of you all. I looked around and smiled inside because there is so many of us, to think just a few years ago the number of people in my family brought me shame, embarrassment, guilt, sadness, hopelessness, irritation and even anger.  I just had to praise the Lord for his sovereignty, his goodness, faithfulness and his grace in that moment he reminded me where death was assigned to our family he not only declared life but multiplied us as well! Thank you Jesus he is so awesome!!

You see at some point each one of my siblings even my parents have faced death. Only a few years ago did I notice this pattern and assignment the enemy was after our family intentionally, and intensely. As he is after every believer, however the Lord always protected us, sustained us and I know see the manifestation of the Lord redeeming us! So just  a little family history of the instances in our family where the enemy  could’ve taken each of us out if it wasn’t for the Lords intervention. My mother at young age of 21 was walking home from work when she first arrived in the states. She was told at the time from my uncle not to get a ride from anyone and wait on him however, she was tired didn’t listen and got a ride from a passerby. He then decided to take a route separate from my mothers house and attempted to lock her in the car. However, my mother said something told her to jump out the car during a red light and she did just that. Running for her life and she learned her lesson that day  that it was the grace of God that nudged her to run out the car. My father was also in a bad car accident where he was thrown out the vehicle and almost lost his life as a youth. Then my older brother Todd,  has had many battles. Starting from my mothers womb he almost died, they had to take him out with forceps thought he would be blind or have brain damage but,within a few weeks was perfectly fine. The following years of his adolescences and adult life got involved with the wrong crowd and friends. Had many fights, and as a family we had many nights of prayer for him not sure if he would return home. However, even with him a getting sentenced I see the Lord hand in that because the Lord corrects those he loves and keeps them from harm even sometimes we don’t perceive what he is doing. Thank you Father!

Hebrew 12:6
For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Now to me, I had one of the most terrible accidents about 5 years ago where me and friend where driving from the club (yes partying and drinking) we were side swiped and our car flipped rolling over the median into the merging lane, we landed on top of another car and rolled again 5 times into the grassy plain across the highway about a few feet from light pole. With no seat belt  I landed right side up and I literally had a half inch scratch on my back. Where as my other friend had bruised lung but we were all perfectly okay. If that isn’t God I don’t know what is! Then my younger sister Nana Fremah also had a death or life encounter giving birth to her son, Tristen where she began to hemorrhage right after giving birth.  She at one point thought of having abortion when she found of out her pregnancy. She made an appointment and upon entering into the facility for the procedure she stated the Lord nudged her to walk out  and she did just that. My wonderful nephew Tristen would’ve never been here if she didn’t listen. Then my sister following her Nana Serwah has been in two almost deadly car accidents. One was with my other sister who follows her Nana Kondau, where the car they were driving caught on fire. They were told by a family driving beside them to jump out. So they jumped out of the car and upon the car hitting the curb it exploded. Can you believe that,  something out of  an action movie. They both walked away with scratches by the Grace of God! To add to this testimony when my sister Nana Kondua got pregnant with her children the first one we call Zay Zay was born with seizures which the Lord has already declared by his word and even in a vision that he will heal her!! The second one, Naomi was a troubled pregnancy my sister had no ammonic fluid. The doctors told her to abort but, she didn’t trusting the Lord will let the baby live. Sure enough Naomi came out kicking, screaming feisty premature baby so strong and still has no issue even now. We thank God for his Grace!! Now, with Nana Frimponga known as Nana #5 has gone through many trials of depression & even suicide. When we were hopeless and as she was admitted into the hospital, my mother weary not sure what to do but to pray. She told my sister not to take the medication trusting the Lord and sure enough the Lord guided my sister to the bible she began to read it and was able to overcome this battle. We thank God that his word is power it against any strong hold!

 Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

So now seeing where the enemy had not only tried to take my parents out even before they had us, then take each of us which would then stop my sibling from having their beautiful children. I remember about 4 years ago being in the car driving to my mothers house and so saddened, burdened and in despair as to where my family was. My siblings kept having a children it seemed like every year and the toll it was taking on my mom. I just broke down in the car asking the Lord why, where was here, it seems are prayers were going in circles. I was just tired and utterly broken, I felt so helpless, alone and hopeless. I know now that was the furthest from the truth. The Lord was right there and has been all along. He even brought a scripture to my attention a few months ago regarding children:

Psalm 127: 35
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Isn’t that beautiful scripture, that is how good our God is that even out of wedlock, even in the midst of our sin he blesses us with a beautiful gift of children and what a blessing all 8 of them are now to us. Yes, we still have our struggles in our family and by no means is everything perfect but now looking back I thank God for our numerous trials , I thank him for his Grace upon us, His Mercy, His Goodness, His Love and his Faithfulness! We are still waiting and trusting him to see the manifestation of all his promise’s but, I now know that we were never alone and we will never be alone. We can face anything as a family by his grace for he will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you Lord that when the enemy assigned death to our family not only did you declare life but you multiplied us as well!! Praise you Lord, Love you Jesus!!

 

God Sets A Table In Front Of Our Enemies To Invite Them To Dinner

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“The Lord will set a table before you in the presence of your enemies “I hear that scripture quoted a lot in a lot of sermons but to be honest its mentioned in pride so proudly. Not to say the Lord wont do that but, he does exactly that and he sets a table before our enemies just to invite them to dinner as well. Isn’t that just like the heart of God lol. By Gods grace I have come to understand  the heart of God concerning souls, they are so precious to him whether wicked, lost, or saved because he has made man his dwelling place. No temple, no building, no specific location but the heart of all men, that’s where he resides for the anyone who will accept him because that’s where we were created from, the Heart of God.

Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Many times I have contended with the Lord concerning those who weren’t treating me right, who had hurt me asking the Lord do you not see what they did  or what they said in my little pity party and I promise I would hear the Lord so clearly say ” Love them, they are wounded and rejected, that’s why I brought them too you, Love them but, but, he would say again Love them, show my mercy”. Can I say it was and always is difficult to do when you feel you need to be justified but, the Lord calls us to do otherwise not only by his word but in his nature as well. All through out scripture we see many times when Jesus could’ve retaliated, cried out for Abba Fathers justice right then and there instead our beautiful Saviour in his justice cried out for forgiveness and then when even further to lay down his life for his enemies and at the cross.

Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

I think as Christians we all forget that we were all enemies of the cross before Christ saved us from death into life with him. Scriptures say that yet when we were still sinners he died for us. That is all of us, so why then is it so hard to forgive our enemies, to have mercy and forgive those who have hurt us, accused us, insulted us, took advantage of us, slandered against us, betrayed us,  & used us? I am definitely not saying its easy but, with God all things are possible if we just forgive by faith and our truly gracious to those who we consider enemies believe me the Lord will do the rest and began to heal wounds & broken hearts.  I was reading Rick Joyner “Final Quest” book detailing a visions & encounters the Lord gave him where he was caught up in heaven and the Lord revealed so much wisdom concerning his nature and character especially in these last days. “He said concerning our enemies  “I come to take over not choose sides. I love all Men and desire all men to be saved. I use you to save your enemies” Isn’t that amazing & profound all at the same time!
So let me ask you, who have you been holding a grudge against, who do you consider your enemy , have you been relentless attacks with accusation & slander? Well I can tell you what to do, love them to Christ! Yea, I said it love your enemies to Christ, its his love and kindness in you that will lead them to repentance!

Romans 2:4
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

As many things in the nation escalate for the worse. There is a strong division that has been planted by the enemy to divide people through, racism, status, class, religion, etc you name it. Even because of the news and media people now have a impulse to just have hatred, mistrust, and disdain for others because the world has gotten so dark and many Christians have hidden their light under a bushel maybe because of fear but, I encourage you not to hide your light especially your light of love! If you allow your heart to be hardened seeing what is going on then you will be easily used by the enemy to further cause division when our nation begins to fall apart. However, God has called us to stand on him the rock, he is the word, hope and our faith. Faith that perfect love cast out all fear, so by loving our enemies no matter how, wicked they can or will be that it will lead them to repentance and the Christ in you will shine even brighter! So forgive, show mercy, let go, and show grace and mercy to your enemies. Will you do that, began to declare it by faith, walk in that faith and allow the Lord to do the rest and you will be surprised who will be sitting right next to you at the wonderful wedding feast of the bride…..your once thought to be enemy now family! God bless

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